Biffy Clyro’s Futique Tour Kickoff: What They Played in Belfast and What’s Next

The Futique tour kickstarted with an electrifying Belfast show, blending fresh tracks and timeless classics for a memorable night.

A Belfast Beginning That Set the Tone for 2026

There’s something magical about watching a band at the start of a massive tour, especially when it’s Biffy Clyro—one of Scotland’s most iconic rock acts. On January 9, 2026, the SSE Arena in Belfast was buzzing as Biffy Clyro launched their Futique UK and Ireland tour. As a longtime fan, I can tell you—it was a night dripping with energy and nostalgia, sprinkled with the excitement of new music.

The band’s tenth studio album, Futique, released just a few months ago in September, was the tour’s heartbeat. Belfast was the first of nine shows supporting this album, and the setlist balanced fresh cuts with fan favorites, creating a perfect bridge between Biffy’s past and present.

Tour Support and Lineup Changes

Supporting Biffy Clyro on this tour are Soft Play and The Armed, two bands that add their own distinct flavor to the lineup. However, bassist James Johnston made the tough decision to sit out this tour. Opening up about mental health struggles and addiction issues, Johnston’s choice to focus on his wellbeing speaks volumes about the importance of balance even amid massive success. Filling in on bass is Naomi Macleod, known from Bitch Falcon and Empire State Bastard—bringing fresh energy to the live set.

The Setlist: A Perfect Mix of New and Classic

What stood out to me was how seven tracks from Futique wove seamlessly into the set alongside monumental hits like “Mountains,” “Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies,” and “Many Of Horror.” This balance was reflected not just in the songs, but also in the stage design, which mirrored the album’s striking angular artwork—sharp, modern, and perfectly Biffy.

Here’s the full setlist from the Belfast show:

• A Little Love
• Hunting Season
• That Golden Rule
• Who’s Got A Match?
• Shot One
• Space
• Wolves Of Winter
• Tiny Indoor Fireworks
• Goodbye
• Friendshipping
• Biblical
• A Thousand And One
• Different People
• A Hunger In Your Haunt
• Black Chandelier
• Instant History
• Mountains
• Two People In Love
• Machines
• The Captain
• Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies
• Bubbles
• Many Of Horror

If you’re curious, there’s some fantastic live footage floating around from the gig, capturing the raw emotion and stunning performance:

• Biffy Clyro - Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies. Belfast SSE Arena 09/01/26.
• Biffy Clyro - Bubbles. Belfast SSE Arena 09/01/26.
• Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror. Belfast SSE Arena. 09/01/26.
• Biffy Clyro Biblical Live The SSE Arena Belfast 9th January 2026
• Biffy Clyro Space Live The SSE Arena Belfast 9th January 2026

Fan Reactions: The Vibe Was Electric

Fans took to social media to celebrate what many described as one of the best gigs of the year—even though it was just the first week of January! One enthusiastic attendee tweeted, “What a start to 2026! Biffy Clyro in Belfast. It’s annoying when you think you have seen your best gig of the year in the first week in Jan! I would easily watch the Futique tour again! Shout out to the pleasing @softplayband. Punk shaved ape.”

Another fan shared their excitement about snagging tickets for the Glasgow show after a memorable night in Belfast. And the energy? Pure rock ‘n’ roll fire, with plenty of fans throwing up the horns and soaking in every moment.

Looking Ahead: The Biggest Gig Yet

This tour kickoff is only the beginning of a whirlwind year for Biffy Clyro. The band is gearing up for what frontman Simon Neil calls “the biggest gig of their lives” at London’s Finsbury Park in July, where a whopping 40,000 fans are expected. The lineup there is a British rock dream team, featuring Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco, Marmozets, and more.

Simon Neil expressed his excitement about the concert:

“We’ve put together a fucking unbelievable bill. We’re lucky that a lot of people wanted to play, but we wanted to lean into British rock bands and be proud of where we come from... Magic will happen.”

Beyond that, Biffy Clyro plans festival appearances alongside huge names like Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi, SOMBR, and Twenty One Pilots at Sziget 2026, plus a headline slot at Noches del Botánico in Madrid.

Why Futique Feels Like a New Chapter

Critics have embraced Futique, awarding it four stars and highlighting its personal depth. The album feels like a rejuvenation—“one of their most personal and definitive records to date,” according to reviews. It’s a record dripping with vulnerability yet driven by forward momentum, like three friends finding light through cracks in the road.

Simon Neil described the album openly: “Arms-wide-open, defenceless, for better or worse, here it is.” That spirit came through loud and clear on tour.

Final Thoughts

As the Futique tour rolls on, Biffy Clyro is proving they've still got that fire, blending new sonic adventures with the classics that defined their career. If you’ve never seen them live, now might just be the perfect time to experience the magic.

FAQ

• What’s the vibe of the Futique tour setlist?
  It’s a dynamic blend of seven new tracks from Futique paired with classic fan favorites, creating a journey through Biffy Clyro’s evolving sound.
• Who is filling in for bassist James Johnston?
  Naomi Macleod, known from bands Bitch Falcon and Empire State Bastard, is taking over bass duties for this tour.
• When and where is the biggest Biffy Clyro gig in 2026?
  July at London’s Finsbury Park, playing in front of 40,000 fans alongside several British rock heavyweights.
• What kind of festival shows will Biffy Clyro play this summer?
  They have slots at major festivals, including Sziget 2026, with other headliners like Florence + The Machine and Lewis Capaldi.
• How does the band describe the Futique album?
  As personal, vulnerable, and a renewal of purpose—arms wide open for better or worse.

If you’re as passionate about Biffy Clyro’s unique vibes as we are, why not bring that energy home? Shop your favorite album cover poster and relive the Futique tour magic every day at Architeg Prints.